Ihlara Valley

Ihlara, formerly known as Hliara (Cappadocian Greek: ΧΛιάρα; Latin: Chliará), is a cozy town and municipality located in the Güzelyurt district of Aksaray Province, Turkey. The population here is 2,289 people (as of 2021). The town is located just 40 km (25 miles) from the administrative center of Aksaray Province and not far from the town of Güzelyurt. However, the real gem of Ihlara is its amazing valley, known as Ihlara Valley. This is a 16 km (10 mile) long gorge carved into volcanic rock in southern Cappadocia after the eruptions of Mount Erciyes. The picturesque Melendiz River flows along the valley, adding a special charm and beauty to this place.